2017 NFL Draft daily Chicago Bears target: FIU tight end Jonnu Smith
In our continuing series looking at Chicago Bears prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft, we take a look at Florida International University tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Chicago Bears invested a lot of money on their tight ends. Between Zach Miller and Dion Sims, they are paying $23.5 million. Even so, there are a lot of injury concerns. Miller hasn’t finished a complete season in his career and Sims has battled concussion troubles over the past few seasons. With that in mind, the Bears may need to add some depth to the position by finding Jonnu Smith in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Smith played for Florida International University. He was a four-year starter for the Panthers. In 2016, he was first-team All-Conference USA when he made 42 catches for 506 yards and four touchdowns. He did miss the end of the season after he suffered burns from having boiling water poured on him by his girlfriend after an argument.
Smith plays the game like his hair is on fire. He has an urgency in his game, and he has a high motor. He has a good burst to get him up the field quickly. His loose hips and good lateral movement allow him to get away from defenders. Once he catches the ball he is dynamic.
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Smith was a competitive weightlifter in high school, so strength is not a problem with him. He uses that strength in his blocking. His blocking is good, not great, however. He needs to be a more determined blocker to succeed at the higher level.
Smith needs to work on catching the ball with his hands. He uses his body too much, and that causes drops (he had 10 dropped passes in the last two seasons). As I mentioned, he is a dynamic runner after the catch, but he needs to make the catch first. With his strength, it is tough to get him down, so that is an intriguing combination.
Jonnu Smith won’t be an elite player. With his athletic ability and strength, though, he could still be a pretty good NFL tight end. He is magic once he catches the ball, and scouts take notice of that. Those scouts already took notice when he had a great NFL Combine (4.62-40, 22 reps bench press, 38-inch vertical).
Next: Bears' preseason schedule released
Smith may be available in the fourth or fifth round. If he is, the Bears should seriously consider taking him. He can come in and not have to take over the reins. He could give the offense some good reps while he learns more and gets better. Then, he can compete for a starting job.